Florida Man Faces Federal Charges for Randomly Attacking Sleeping Passenger on United Airlines Flight

Everett Chad Nelson, a 44-year-old man from Florida, is facing federal charges after a shocking and seemingly random assault on a sleeping passenger during a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

The incident occurred on Monday aboard United Airlines flight 2247, approximately two hours into the five-hour journey. Nelson, who was seated in 35F, left his seat to use the lavatory located at the front of the aircraft. Upon exiting the bathroom, he approached seat 12F, where a male passenger was sleeping, and without any apparent motive or provocation, began punching the victim repeatedly in the face and head until blood was drawn.

The assault continued for about a minute, during which the victim awoke screaming. A Good Samaritan intervened, pulling Nelson off the victim and preventing further harm. The victim suffered significant injuries, including two black eyes and a gash on his nose, with blood splattering on the seat, wall, window, and Nelson’s clothing.

Following the attack, flight attendants moved Nelson to a seat at the front of the aircraft, where he was monitored by the passenger who had intervened. The flight landed safely at Dulles International Airport, where paramedics and local law enforcement were waiting. The victim was treated by a doctor who happened to be onboard for his injuries.

Nelson has been charged with one count of assault by beating, striking, and wounding in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. If convicted, he faces up to a year in prison. He made his initial court appearance on Tuesday and was temporarily detained by a judge.

The incident highlights the ongoing issue of unruly passenger behavior on flights. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there have been over 1,200 reports of unruly passengers in 2024, although this number represents a significant drop from the record highs in 2021.